Hello, everybody. Today we’re going to talk about ‘than’ and ‘then’. They are
confusing because they sound the same, but their functions are very different.
Hi, Kevin. Hi, everyone. Today we’ll see very clear examples of when to use them.
Yes, Mary. Let’s start with ‘than’. We use this conjunction when we compare two or more things.
Yes, that’s right, Kev. For example, my brother is taller than my father.
Yes. Or, you have more brothers than I do.
Now, let’s take a look at ‘then’.
Ok. The function of ‘then’ that we will explore today is to explain what is next in time, space, or order. It means immediately after.
Right, Kevin. For example, every day I wake up, have breakfast, and then go to work.
Very good! I think we’re ready for some dialogues.
Hey, Karen. Can you teach me to make a boiled egg?
Sure, Barry. First you have to put water in a pan. Then, you turn on the stove. And then, you put the egg in the water.
That's all? I thought it was more difficult.
No! It’s very simple. When the water boils, you just wait three minutes and the egg is ready.
And then, what?
Then, you eat it.
Man! I can’t believe I got a bad grade in my test!
What’s wrong? Did you expect to get a good grade?
Yes. I studied more for this test than I did for the last one.
Really? And your grade is worse than the last?
Yes. I don’t understand. I think I will ask the teacher what happened.
I think that’s a good idea. If you want to do better than you did on this test, you have to understand your mistakes.
I’m good at Math. But my grade in English is better than in Math. I’ll have to study more.
Yes. That’s better than complaining.
Mary, do you think this dress will look good on me?
Yes. It’s better than the red one. But first, try it on, and then we’ll have a better idea
Ok. Today the store is more crowded than yesterday. Can you wait?
Sure. I’m not very busy today. I only have a meeting in the afternoon, and then I can go home.
I’ll put the dress on, and then I want you to be honest.
You know I will tell you the truth, and then you’ll tell me I’m rude…
I won’t do that. It’s better if you are honest than if you try to make me feel good about something that’s not true.
First you have to put water in a pan. Then, you turn on the stove. And then, you put the egg in the water.
I studied more for this test than I did for the last one.
And your grade is worse than the last?
That’s better than complaining…
It’s better than the red one.
But first, try it on, and then we’ll have a better idea.
I only have a meeting in the afternoon, and then I can go home.
You know I will tell you the truth, and then you’ll tell me I’m rude…